Labour Agreement will Lower the Income Threshold for 457 Chefs and Cooks in Australia

There is a shortfall of 56,000 Chefs, cooks and restaurant managers on Australian market according to Restaurant & Catering Australia. Employers say these are among the most difficult vacancies to fill. Cooks, chefs and restaurant managers were in Top 15 of the nominated occupations for 2014-15. And the sector demanded easier conditions from the Government to get overseas workers for these vacancies through the 457 program.

There is a shortfall of 56,000 Chefs, cooks and restaurant managers on Australian market.

It is expected that the industry will require additional 43,700 jobs by November 2018. As a result of this and to deal with the constant shortages in the sector, a historic labour agreement was negotiated with the Australian government for Cooks and Chefs. Waiters will also be included after national endorsement of this occupation. The labour agreement will lower the income threshold by 10% for restaurants should they meet particular criteria.

Industry Labour Agreement outlines some specific requirements for both the business and the overseas worker, such as industry recognition through award programs, la carte menu, having uniformed staff and a maître d’ etc. for the employers; and certain skills, qualifications and English language requirements for the employee.

Food and Accommodation sector in Australia was the largest user of the 457 temporary work visa program for the period 2014-15, with 4,350 approved applications.

Mr. John, Hart Restaurant & Catering Australia CEO said: “Skilled migration has contributed to the evolution and fusion of cuisine types here in Australia. With migration comes innovation and new ways of thinking about food and the restaurant experience. With skilled migration also comes job creation for local Australians. The reality is most businesses find it difficult to remain open when they cannot find suitably trained staff. The facilitation of a small number of skilled workers under this agreement will ensure businesses remain open, are productive, and have the capacity to hire and train local workers

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